Phlebotomine sand flies in Southwest Germany: an update with records in new locations

Abstract

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are of growing global importance. Sand flies are potential vectors for phleboviruses (family Phenuiviridae) including Toscana virus (TOSV), Sicilian virus, Sandfly fever, Naples virus, and Leishmania parasites in Europe. To date, only two phlebotomine species have been recorded for Germany: Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus mascittii. This study updates the distribution and abundance of the two occurring species. Methods: An entomological field study was carried out during 2015-2018 to assess the abundance of sand flies in Southwest Germany within the federal states Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP). A total of 176 collection sites were examined using CDC light traps. Results: A total of 149 individuals of P. mascittii were collected. During 2015-2018, P. mascittii was found at all sites known positive from previous studies and was detected at 15 additional sites previously unknown for the presence of sand flies. Although the environment has changed considerably in 30 years, no significant difference in sand fly dynamics and distribution was found. Phlebotomus perniciosus has only been trapped once since 2001. Conclusions: This study showed that sand flies occur in different areas in Southern Germany where they had not been recorded previously. Therefore, it can be assumed that they are more widespread than expected. In addition, sand flies could be found over several years at the same trapping sites, indicating population stability. This supports the need for continued surveillance of possible vector populations and urgent clarification of the vector competence of P. mascittii.

Integrative Approach to Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi, 1908: First Record in Vienna with New Morphological and Molecular Insights

“…mascittii , even though most of the sampled locations were considered ideal for sand fly occurrence regarding annual mean temperature and potential breeding sites. Typically, only small trapping numbers were observed, as has been commonly reported from previous entomological surveys on sand flies in Austria [ 5 , 6 ] and bordering countries [ 8 , 31 ]. The attractiveness of light traps to Ph.…”

“…mascittii has been found to be active during winter time in a cave-like tunnel on the island of Corsica, where constant climatic conditions might increase population density and the time of activity [ 13 ]. A small number of individuals of this species have recently also been found in a small cave in Germany [ 31 ]. Despite these findings, records of such trapping sites are rather scarce.…”

Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici NITZULESCU, 1931: first record in Austria and phylogenetic relationship with other Adlerius species

“…In Austria, trapping rates are generally extremely low, also for Ph. mascittii , with typical trapping numbers of < 5 specimens per night [ 5 , 6 , 38 ]. In Slovakia, only a single specimen of Ph.…”

Phlebotomus (Adlerius) Simici Nitzulescu, 1931: First Record in Austria and Phylogenetic Relationship With Other Adlerius Species

“…In Austria, trapping rates are generally extremely low, also for Ph. mascittii, with typical trapping numbers of less than ve specimens per night [5,6,26]. In Slovakia only a single specimen of Ph.…”